Dartford Means Business
About the Project
Dartford Means Business is a project launched by The Kent Foundation in partnership with Dartford District Council. Running from September 2024 to March 2025, the project aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that will empower participants to turn their business ideas into thriving ventures. The project includes a 1-2-1 mentorship program, business showcase event, and culminates in a ‘Pitch Your Idea’ competition, giving participants the chance to win valuable funding for their business.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Recruitment
The project will recruit 20 Dartford-based business people to participate in the project. They will either be in the pre-launch or start-up phase of their business (0-3 years)
The project will also recruit 20 business professionals to mentor the participants.
The Kent Foundation will deliver a 1 day intensive training day for all mentors to ensure they are fully equipped to support the entrepreneurs.
1-2-1 Mentoring
Participants will be carefully paired with a trained business mentor based on their business interests, goals and industry.
They will commit to three 1-2-1 mentoring sessions to help participants develop their business idea and prepare for the Business Showcase Day and Pitch Your Idea Competition
Business Showcase Day
- On March 20th 2025 there will be a Business Showcase Day, where each participant will have a stand so that they can share their business idea, products or services to an audience of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors and the local business community.
Pitch Your Idea Competition
The grand finale of the showcase day is a pitching competition, where each participant will get the chance to present their business idea to a panel of judges to be in with the chance of winning £2,000 for their business.
The runner up will also receive £1,000 of valuable funding.
More Information & How To Apply
Volunteer as a Business Mentor
We are actively seeking business professionals to support Dartford’s new entrepreneurs in their business journey. This is an excellent opportunity to develop & showcase your skills as a business expert, as well as a way to give back to the local business community. Full training and resources are provided to support you in becoming a business mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
This project is for Dartford based entrepreneurs. You need to be aged 19 or older and have a business idea or be in the first three years of trading to participate. There are 20 spaces available and you must be available to attend the Business Showcase Day & Pitching Competition in Dartford on Thursday 20th March 2025 from 10am until 3pm.
Does it cost to enter?
No
What do I get by participating?
- 3 x 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with a trained business mentor
- A stand at our Business Showcase Day to showcase your idea
- Entry into the Pitch Your Idea Competition with the chance to win funding (£2k and £1k)
- A chance to develop your business idea with the support of a mentor
- An opportunity to network with the local business community
What are the Pitch Your Idea prizes?
- First place will receive £2,000 in funding for your business
- The runner up will receive £1000 for your business
- All contestants will receive £50 participation contribution
If you’re looking to get involved with The Dartford Means Business Project, please fill out the below form and a member of the team will be in contact